Research by Ruckus Networks has found that connectivity technologies complement each other in the digital world for consumers.
Ruckus surveyed 5,000 people across the UK, France, and Germany, to understand how and why they go online. The research found regional nuances that global technology companies will need to consider when deploying and monetising networks.
In the UK, consumers preferred to use Wi-Fi over a mobile data connection when at home (86 percent), in a hotel (65 percent) or at work (55 pe cent) while they prefer to use mobile data in shopping centres (48 percent ), on public transport (47 percent) and in restaurants (38 percent ).
UK people opted to use Wi-Fi as it saved their personal data allowance. At home, in a hotel or at work, the second most popular reason for preferring Wi-Fi is that it gives a more reliable connection.
On public transport, in a restaurant and in sports stadiums, mobile data, being less cost-effective, was the second most popular reason for choosing Wi-Fi. In cafes, shopping centres and airports, the convenience of Wi-Fi was the second most popular reason.
Age has a small but consistent impact on the results. The younger the respondent’s age, the more likely they are to use Wi-Fi. Cost is a driving factor for those with 2GB or less data, however, saving data was also important when at work, in a restaurant, at a sports stadium, shopping centre of airport.
Commenting on the results, Steve Johnson, Regional Director, Northern Europe, said: “It’s no surprise that we see UK consumers adapt a diverse range of connectivity technologies depending on what they’re trying to achieve. However, even with an ever-expanding range of options, it still seems that when consumers need a reliable, fast and wallet-friendly connection, Wi-Fi is there to support the demand. It’s all about choosing the right technology for the right use case.
“Wi-Fi is more than just a nice to have, and I’d urge those responsible for running and installing networks in the locations highlighted in this research not to look at Wi-Fi as just an exercise in fulfilling connectivity expectations – with the right platform Wi-Fi can become a revenue generating tool to develop new business opportunities and connect with customers.”
